Violence breaks out in Birbhum district of Bengal, 3 killed

Kolkata, Oct 27: Three persons were allegedly killed while many were injured in a clash that took place between supporters of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and BJP in Makra village under Panrui Police Station in Birbhum district of West Bengal on Monday.

Two of the deceased were identified as Tausif Sheikh, 17, and Sheikh Sulaiman, 25. The first was identified as a BJP supporter while the later was a TMC supporter, party's district chief Anubrata Mandal said. The third man was identified as Sheikh Mojammel.

Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed in the village after the clash broke out. Several villagers reportedly fled the area.

The violence broke out days after three policemen, including an officer-in-charge, were attacked in Birbhum last week. The policemen raided a hideout in the area where crude bombs were allegedly hidden. Officer-in-charge Prasenjit Datta said villagers armed with bombs, sticks and bricks attacked them. He sustained serious injuries and was admitted to a hospital.

TMC and BJP leaders blamed each other for the outbreak of the violence.

It was learnt from sources that TMC supporters were threatening the local people over the increasing influence of the BJP in Makra village. Masked goons of the ruling party were deployed to free the village of the BJP's influence, it was alleged. Local BJP supporters said the goons identified the opposition and threatened them and also hurled bombs. When the police tried to intervene, they were also targetted.